variants
also nonplused
as in perplexed
faced with difficulty or uncertainty about what to say, think, or do
the self-possessed actress seemed uncharacteristically nonplussed after the director's harsh appraisal of her performance
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also nonplused
as in embarrassed
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress
I was nonplussed by his openly expressed admiration of me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of nonplussed
Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025
Paris — As all eyes turned to the Louvre after last month’s shocking jewel heist, one especially stylish figure on the museum grounds caught the internet’s attention: a sharply dressed man, wearing a fedora tilted just so, standing coolly next to some nonplussed police officers.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2025
Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
After the Hateful Eight filmmaker accused author Suzanne Collins of copying the Japanese novel and movie Battle Royale when writing the first installment of her young adult sci-fi novel series, Hutcherson appeared nonplussed by Tarantino's remarks.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonplussed
Adjective
After the Hateful Eight filmmaker accused author Suzanne Collins of copying the Japanese novel and movie Battle Royale when writing the first installment of her young adult sci-fi novel series, Hutcherson appeared nonplussed by Tarantino's remarks.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025
Paris — As all eyes turned to the Louvre after last month’s shocking jewel heist, one especially stylish figure on the museum grounds caught the internet’s attention: a sharply dressed man, wearing a fedora tilted just so, standing coolly next to some nonplussed police officers.
—Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
So as the Rams prepare to face wintery and blustery conditions in their divisional round playoff game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field – a mere 90-minute drive from Mevis’ hometown in Warsaw, Indiana –the kicker is nonplussed about the weather report.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
After the Hateful Eight filmmaker accused author Suzanne Collins of copying the Japanese novel and movie Battle Royale when writing the first installment of her young adult sci-fi novel series, Hutcherson appeared nonplussed by Tarantino's remarks.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nonplussed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonplussed
Adjective
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But much like with the Belichick snub, NFL fans were as perplexed about Kraft being left off the ballot as well.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
3 Feb. 2026
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The five-time major champion remains perplexed by the poa annua greens and settled for a 68 on the easier North to make the cut on the number.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Their votes sunk Belichick’s chances and embarrassed the Hall of Fame in the process.—
Rob Maaddi,
Twin Cities,
28 Jan. 2026
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However, the Yankees' title drought reached 16 seasons after getting embarrassed by the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series, and calls for change were louder than ever.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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During the latest hearing in the case, Young repeatedly seemed baffled that the country’s top leaders would attempt to implement such a policy.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Many are somewhat baffled or turned off by the ale.—
Gary Stoller,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The show is Finding Her Edge, a new ice skating drama that should not be confused with Spinning Out, another Netflix ice skating drama that was cancelled after one season.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Judicial warrants should not be confused with administrative warrants, which are signed by immigration officers.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The usually positive Gauff went negative, lacked energy and seemed bewildered and overwhelmed.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Since his starring days at Gonzaga, Timme has earned bewildered double takes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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His strong, powerful hands can help collapse the pocket and make quarterbacks flustered.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
26 Jan. 2026
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Stidham was clearly flustered by it more and more as the game went along.—
Doug Kyed,
Hartford Courant,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nonplussed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonplussed. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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